Sandra Pihos to make bid for College of DuPage seat

While her tenure as a state representative is coming to an end, Sandra Pihos says she wants to continue to serve the public.

So the Glen Ellyn Republican is running for a spot on the College of DuPage board of trustees. She's already filed her nomination papers to get on the April 7 ballot.

"I'm not going to let grass grow under my feet because there are so many things that need to be done," said Pihos, whose last day as a state representative is Jan. 13. "I want to continue to be involved."

Other candidates vying for three 6-year seats on the COD board are Robert Buckley of Glen Ellyn, Matt Gambs of Naperville and two incumbents - Kim Savage of Darien and Nancy Svoboda of Downers Grove. The filing period ends Monday.

Pihos, who served six terms over 12 years as a state lawmaker, lost to Peter Breen of Lombard during the GOP primary in March.

Since that defeat, Pihos said she thought about what she would like to do next. She said running for the COD board is "a really great fit" because of her background in education.

Before joining the General Assembly, Pihos served for more than a decade on the Glenbard High School District 87 school board. She previously worked as a teacher and high school guidance counselor.

"The most experience I have is in the education field," she said. "I can bring that experience to the table."

Pihos stressed that she's not running "on any agenda." She said her goal is simply to help COD continue to be "a stellar institution."

"I just feel really strongly about preparing our students," said Pihos, adding that community colleges are becoming a more vital part of postsecondary education.

As for the COD board, which has had its share of disagreements, Pihos said she would work to ease tensions and try to get trustees working together.

"I have a reputation for working in a very congenial and collaborative way with other people to come to consensus," she said.

Pihos said board members need to work more collaboratively with each other and with the public.

"I believe there is a need for transparency," Pihos said.

"I believe there is a need to hear what our public has to say. There also is a responsibility to make informed decisions based on what the public is for."